Big beams will slow freeway

Expect some delays on Interstate 5 and Medford's Barnett Road today as the first of 15 huge beams for a new bridge arrives near Medford's south freeway interchange.

Expect some delays on Interstate 5 and Medford's Barnett Road today as the first of 15 huge beams for a new bridge arrives near Medford's south freeway interchange.

The beams — each 172 feet long, 7 feet high and weighing 173,000 pounds — are scheduled to arrive at the new Barnett Road Bear Creek Bridge, where they'll be used, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. today, Wednesday and Friday.

Construction of the $70 million South Medford Interchange project started in 2006. A joint venture with the City of Medford, the project improves safety and congestion in south Medford.